At the mention of ‘By The Fireside’ in Ghana, one of the striking characters that comes in mind is Grace Omaboe (a.k.a Mame Dokunu). The sweet memories this outstanding storytelling television programme brings to all those who had the opportunity is what the Bureau of Ghana Languages, in marking UNESCO instituted Mother Language Day (to preserve and promote mother languages of communities all over the world), seeks to bring on 21st February, 2019 during the ‘Anansesem si soo’ session of ‘Sanegbaa!’.
‘Sanegbaa!’ scheduled for the Community Youth Cultural Centre and the premises of the Bureau, behind 37 Military Hospital, Kawukudi from 10am to 6pm, is the translation of ‘Conversation’ in the Ga Language and an event designed to host several intriguing segments.
These segments will include sharing reminiscences with old cast members of the famous Akan Drama such as Grace Omaboe (Mame Dokunu), Prince Yawson (Waakye) among others, Conversations with the Ghanaian music legend—Amandzeba Nat Brew—regarding his fantastic use of Ghanaian languages in his outstanding musical works, Mr. Kwaw Ansah (of “Heritage Africa”, “Love Brewed In African Pot, “Papa Lasisi” & “The Good Old Days: The Love of AA” fame) on effective use of Ghanaian languages in producing movies of international standards, Dr. Clement Appah (Institute of Linguistics—University of Ghana) on language materials for formal education, Nana Fredua Agyeman Ofori-Atta (Board Chairman, National Theatre of Ghana) on the role of Ghanaian languages in promoting Ghanaian Theatre, Prof. Abdulai Salifu Asuro (Board Chairman, National Folklore Board of Ghana) on “Ghanaian languages & Ghanaian Folklore”, among others.
The day will also feature Screening of movies produced in Ghanaian languages. There will also be a Reading Carnival that will allow several reading sessions (of prose, poetry and plays) in Ghanaian languages by selected individuals/schools and interested ones and an exhibition of works in Ghanaian languages and craft works. As part of ‘Anansesem si soo’ session there will also be puppetry show, poetry spoken word performances, folk music & dance performances, a one act play by some cast members of Akan Drama and a riddle contest, all in Ghanaian languages.
The Special Guest of Honour will be Hon. Catherine Ablema Afeku, Minister in charge of Tourism, Arts & Culture and the Keynote Speaker will be the Head of Office/ UNESCO Representative in Ghana.
The venue will be the premises of Bureau of Ghana Languages and Community Youth Cultural Centre (CYCC) at Kawukudi, behind the 37 Military Hospital. Entry is free.
